Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Explore, Through Its Docket Process, The Feasibility Of Relocating Above-ground Electric Transmission Lines And Distribution Lines Underground In High-risk Areas On The Island Of Maui.
If the PUC finds the relocation feasible, a comprehensive assessment will be required, incorporating the amortized costs of the relocation, the risks posed by environmental factors such as sea level rise, and the potential dangers to public safety, including the risk of wildfires igniting from damaged lines. Furthermore, the assessment must consider the implications for access to critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, during emergencies, as road closures can severely impact disaster response efforts. This resolution aims to enhance disaster resilience by removing above-ground risks in areas known for hazardous conditions.
HCR177, a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii in 2022, requests that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) explore the feasibility of relocating above-ground electric transmission and distribution lines underground in high-risk areas on the island of Maui. This initiative arises due to concerns about the vulnerabilities posed by natural disasters, including high winds and wildfires, which can threaten the maintenance of power services in these regions. The resolution highlights the historical incidence of such events and emphasizes the need for proactive measures to secure essential infrastructure.
The proposal taps into broader discussions about infrastructure safety and disaster risk management within the context of climate change and its growing impact on natural disaster frequency and severity. Advocates for relocating the lines may argue that such progressive infrastructure upgrades are necessary for protecting communities and ensuring public safety. Conversely, there may be concerns over the costs and logistical challenges associated with such extensive changes to existing electrical infrastructure, particularly regarding funding and regulatory hurdles involved in executing significant alterations to utility layouts.